Are you tired of your laminate flooring buckling or warping due to moisture?
With the right tools and knowledge, you can successfully seal your own laminate flooring and save yourself some serious cash.
In this DIY home improvement guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to seal laminate flooring so your floors stay protected for years to come.
So please put on your work gloves and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Tools and Materials Needed to Seal the Floor
In order to seal your laminate flooring, you will need the following tools and materials:
i) A clean cloth or sponge
Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the entire surface of the floor in order to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
ii) A putty knife
Once the area is clear, use the putty knife to scrape away any dirt, dust, or debris from the seams between the laminate planks.
iii) Laminate floor sealer
Once the surface is clean, you can begin applying the laminate floor sealer. For best results, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
In general, you will want to apply a thin and even layer of sealer over the entire surface of the floor.
iv) Waterproof silicone caulk (optional)
You can also apply a bead of waterproof silicone caulk along the seams between each plank for extra protection against water damage.
Prepare the Room for Sealing
The very first step is to move all of the furniture from the room.
The next step is to clean the floor well so that any dirt, dust, or other debris does not become trapped under the sealant.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to gently suck up any dirt and dust particles or sweep or wipe the floor with a microfiber cloth to pick up larger pieces of debris.
Once you have vacuumed or swept the floor, you will need to mop it with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt and dust.
Once the floor is clean, you will need to let it dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
How to Seal the Laminate Flooring
Before sealing it is essential to make sure that the laminate flooring is made waterproof. Even a little water seeping into the floors can actually cause the floor to swell up and create gaps between them.
Use wax or silicone protectants. Melt your wax and add the drops of it along the seam, making sure the quantity is low. You can also use silicone protectants.
After application use a microfiber cloth to wipe of the excess amount and to make the floor smooth and leveled.
Both these products act like a first layer of protection and make your seams waterproof and don’t let the water seep into the floor.
Once the floor is clean, apply a thin sealant layer evenly across the entire surface.
Allow the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on or placing any furniture back on the floor.
Enjoy your newly sealed laminate flooring!
Problems that May Occur During the Installation
There are a few problems that may occur during installation if you are not careful.
- Bubbling – If you do not smooth out the laminate sheets as you go, you will end up with bubbles on your finished floor.
- Waves – Again, if you do not smooth out the sheets, you will end up with waves on your finished floor.
- Gapping – This occurs when the sheets are not properly sealed together and gaps form between them.
Conclusion
DIY home improvement projects can be a great way to save money and make your house look exactly the way you want it.
The key to success is doing your research, taking extra time for preparation, and following proper safety guidelines.
Sealing laminate flooring is no exception; with a little patience and practice, you can have a professional-looking job in no time!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to completing this satisfying project successfully without breaking the bank.